Recife in 3 days

Brazil's 'Venice of the Northeast', a city of rivers, reefs, beaches and vibrant culture. Best time to visit: September-March (sunnier, drier months). Average daily budget: $40 to $95 USD.

Day 1, Get oriented

Base: Recife Antigo, The restored old town on an island, full of colonial buildings, museums, bars and street art.

Morning: Explore Recife Antigo. Wander the restored old town's colonial streets, galleries and the Marco Zero square.

Afternoon: Explore Recife Antigo, The restored old town on an island, full of colonial buildings, museums, bars and street art.

Evening: Day-trip to Olinda. Climb the cobbled hills of the UNESCO colonial town for churches and views.

Eat: Fresh seafood and caranguejo (crab)

Day 2, Go deeper

Base: Boa Viagem, The main beachfront district with high-rises, hotels, restaurants and an urban beach.

Morning: Relax on Boa Viagem beach. Enjoy the palm-lined urban beach (heeding the shark-safety flags and zones).

Afternoon: Explore Boa Viagem, The main beachfront district with high-rises, hotels, restaurants and an urban beach.

Evening: Visit the Instituto Ricardo Brennand. Tour a castle-like museum of arms, art and a vast collection in lush gardens.

Eat: Tapioca crepes filled with sweet or savoury fillings

Day 3, Hidden side

Base: Olinda, The UNESCO colonial town next door, with pastel churches, cobbled hills and viewpoints.

Morning: See the Capela Dourada. Admire the dazzling golden baroque chapel in the historic centre.

Afternoon: Explore Olinda, The UNESCO colonial town next door, with pastel churches, cobbled hills and viewpoints.

Evening: Experience the street art and music. Catch frevo and maracatu rhythms and murals in Recife Antigo.

Eat: Bolo de rolo, a thin rolled guava cake

Hidden gems

Sunset from Olinda's Alto da Sé with the Recife skyline beyond.
Oficina Brennand, a surreal ceramics workshop and sculpture garden.
The Tuesday-night cultural party in Recife Antigo (Terça Negra).
Fresh seafood and tapioca at the São José market.

Getting around

Recife is spread out and divided by rivers, so ride apps like Uber and 99 are the most convenient and affordable way to get around, and safer than street taxis. The historic Recife Antigo and the Boa Viagem beachfront are each walkable internally, but you'll use ride apps to move between districts and to reach Olinda (about 20 to 30 minutes away). Olinda's historic centre is steep but compact and best explored on foot. The metro exists but is limited for tourists. Avoid walking through unfamiliar areas, especially at night. A rental car isn't necessary unless you plan beach excursions further down the coast.

Safety

Recife has a higher crime rate than some Brazilian cities, so caution is important. Stick to the well-frequented tourist areas, Recife Antigo, Boa Viagem and historic Olinda, and use ride apps rather than walking long distances, particularly after dark. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid displaying phones or jewellery, and don't wander into unfamiliar neighbourhoods. At Boa Viagem beach, heed the shark-warning signs and swim only in designated safe zones, as there have been shark incidents along this stretch. Solo travellers should be especially mindful at night and rely on ride apps. With sensible precautions and by staying in tourist zones, visitors generally enjoy a safe trip.

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